Marguerite and James Mott
Title
Marguerite and James Mott
Description
Marguerite and James Mott were instrumental in the integration of Fairfax County recreation facilities and the quest for equality in Northern Virginia.
The Motts began their activism after they were turned away from picnicking at Lake Fairfax Park in 1965. They subsequently sued in U.S. District Court in Alexandria and won equal access to county facilities for Black people.
The Motts worked for the Lincoln- Lewis-Vannoy community to bring sewers and indoor plumbing, establish a community center in a log cabin, and provide transportation for residents in the community who had no access to public transportation.
The Motts began their activism after they were turned away from picnicking at Lake Fairfax Park in 1965. They subsequently sued in U.S. District Court in Alexandria and won equal access to county facilities for Black people.
The Motts worked for the Lincoln- Lewis-Vannoy community to bring sewers and indoor plumbing, establish a community center in a log cabin, and provide transportation for residents in the community who had no access to public transportation.
Source
- Telling Our Story James and Marguerite Mott: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/stories/james-marguerite-mott
- Fairfax Community Activist Would Rise to the Challenge. By Louis Estrada The Washington Post January 11, 2004
- Civil Servant, Community Activist Provided for Others. By Patricia Sullivan The Washington Post
- Mott Family Presents Historical Display Honoring Community Center Pioneers. February 27, 2023: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/mott-family-presents-historical-display-honoring-community-center-pioneers
Collection
Citation
“Marguerite and James Mott,” Fairfax County African American History Inventory, accessed October 24, 2026, https://fairfaxaahi.centerformasonslegacies.com/items/show/398.